Diya Srivastava – Pembroke Cambridge Summer Program
Majors: Cognitive Science; Communication
Email: diyasriv@usc.edu
Talk to me about: Choosing classes, managing workload, connecting with professors, planning/organizing, formal halls, fun things to do at Cambridge, un-missable experiences, and places to eat when nothing is open (it will happen). Don’t be afraid to ask about anything! Pembroke is so special to me: it genuinely changed the trajectory of my life, habits, academics, and confidence. Excited to hear from you!
Advice: Based on my experience it will be hot, almost as much as California. It might rain here and there, but please remember that there is no AC, and plan to be boiling in your room unless you buy a fan (rooms are built to retain heat in the UK). The biggest academic advice is to begin work on your dissertations the moment that you choose your topics. The last week is packed, so the more you space it out, the more time you have to relax and revise. Also, pick your friend group based on how they make you feel. Don’t say yes every time to activities “just because”; there will be people with different priorities than you, so make sure to branch out in the beginning. I’m biased because our Programme Assistants and professors were lovely people, but do talk to them! They’re friendly and hilarious.
It’s a short program, but it could have a profound influence on you. In terms of choosing classes, I have a lot of advice, so feel free to reach out. Overall, I recommend doing something you are excited about. Personally, I did Supervision, Brain and Stem Cells, and Cambridge and its Writers (my favorite).